جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 80

This was bad. Khloe was in too much pain—so much that she felt herself about to pass out.Khloe, dazed, fumbled for her phone, wanting to call someone for help…She tried Charlotte, but there was no answer. Glancing at the time, she saw it was already two in the morning—everyone was probably asleep. Outside, the rain pounded relentlessly.Somehow, her phone screen lit up with a message from Nick:Nick: [What's wrong?]Earlier, while she had been trying to text Charlotte, her thumb had accidentally tapped Nick's chat icon. Now, feeling like she couldn't hold on any longer, her hand slipped, and she dialed him."Hello?"He answered instantly. Nick hadn't slept either—he'd just finished a video call at home. Remembering her message from this morning, he had absentmindedly opened the chat, never expecting a late-night ping from her… and now a call.There was silence on the line at first, only heavy, uneven breathing. His brow furrowed, and he instinctively stood."Khloe. Speak. Wh

Nick's hand moved before he realized it. He cupped Khloe's cheek, gently brushing the stray strands of hair away, then carefully took her hand—still gripping his—and returned it to the blanket.For a moment, she seemed at peace. But then, whatever dream she was having shifted, and she stirred again, this time with a faint whimper.Nick had just taken off his shirt, intending to go shower in the next room, when he heard the movement. He hurried back to the bed.Khloe, startled by something in her dream, lunged instinctively, wrapping herself around his bare chest. She was like a tiny furnace pressed against his cooler skin. Their bodies collided, warm meeting cold, and a low, startled groan escaped both of them.Khloe's eyes fluttered open, wet with lingering dream mist. It took a moment for her gaze to focus, and even then, her mind was sluggish—disoriented, unsure of where she was or what she was doing.All she knew was that her hands were resting somewhere that felt impossibly g

"Khloe, how long are you going to keep this up? It's been days. Are you really giving me the silent treatment forever?"The call finally connected, and Trey's voice was sharp, laced with impatience.Nick's expression darkened instantly. Khloe was about to be his wife, yet this man spoke to her as if she were a child throwing a tantrum."..."Hearing only silence, Trey's tone softened slightly, assuming she was just being stubborn."Khloe, baby, you know you're the most important thing to me. Even when you're being unreasonable, I always find a way to make it work. Where are you? Let me come get you..."He was prideful and really didn't want to be the one to give in first. But with her team in disarray and rumors of her departure sparking a talent drain at the company, only her return could steady the ship."She's busy."Before Trey could finish, a cold male voice cut in.Just two words. But they carried a chill so sharp it was palpable even over the phone.Trey froze, his gri

By then, the elderly lady had already taken a few careful steps forward, her tone gentle and earnest. "Miss Roswell, it wasn't easy for us to make this trip. Nearly eight hours on a plane. We really hope you could spare a little time for us… but if you're truly busy—"She trailed off, stealing a quick glance at the gentleman beside her, a faint hesitation hidden in her eyes.The gentleman picked up the thread, his voice carrying a note of gentle expectation. "Then we'll wait here while you finish your work. No rush at all."Khloe looked at the two of them. On one side, unfinished work called her name; on the other, these elderly travelers, tired from their journey, held hopeful eyes on her. She had grown up seeing older people struggle, and the thought of letting them down stirred something soft inside her. The awkwardness she had felt moments ago melted into quiet resolve."I have about an hour free," she said, glancing at her watch. "Let me take you out for a walk.""Yes! That

Khloe returned to the office. By the time she wrapped up her work, it was already past nine. She had just organized her documents when the duty room called, saying two elderly visitors were waiting at the entrance.Her chest tightened. She ran to the window, peering down. The familiar Rolls-Royce was still parked there."They're still waiting…" she murmured, abandoning her coat and clutching her files as she dashed downstairs.The thought of them—their age, the eight-hour flight, and the afternoon spent accompanying her—made her anxious. They couldn't possibly be expected to wait much longer. She just wanted them to rest.As soon as Khloe appeared, the car door opened. Grandma Orsen stepped out and linked her arm with hers."Miss Roswell, you shouldn't work so hard. You probably haven't eaten. Why not have something now before going back to work?""Yes, Miss Roswell. I saw the whole building empty by now, and we were worried about your health," Grandpa Orsen added, his tone fille